The burden of a pro soccer player

BeSoccer 2 years ago 103 |

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Dani Carvalho talked about his life as a professional footballer. BeSoccer

Dani Carvalho was the final player to wear Ajax's legendary number 14 shirt, which was notably worn by Johan Cruyff. The Portuguese international footballer played for Ajax, Atlético Madrid, Benfica, Sporting CP, and West Ham United during his brief senior career. In this discussion moderated by Nuno Milheiro, the former offensive midfielder talks about his post-career and experience as a sports pundit.

Dani retired from football following the 2002-2003 season with Atlético Madrid and had no clear plans for his future. According to Dani, his career felt like searching to play casino without creating an account.

Following a period of introspection, the former footballer emphasized the necessity of being honest with himself while deciding what to do with the remainder of his life.

“Now you're going to be in another job for 30 or 40 years, so you'd best figure out what would fulfill you. When you're a professional football player, you've got your hands full. There isn't anything lacking. All you have to do is ask, and all of your personal issues will be handled. As a football player, you're used to live like that.”

When commenting on a game, he attempts to put himself in the player's, coach's, and spectator's shoes. “I try to see the football player [side], the coach's vision, and what he's prepared for the game, and then I always think about the average spectator.” I just attempt to explain to them what is going on and why they do certain things, as well as what is good and wrong.”

On sometimes, technical jargon designed for coaches or analysts is overused on television and is not understood by the majority of football spectators.

In comparison to his active time, the former Portuguese international player points out that the tactical aspect is now prioritized and carefully studied, training the spectacularism of technically brilliant athletes. “[At his time], there was greater creativity.]

”There were several goals and players capable of doing stunning moves on their own. Football, in my opinion, is now more tactical, but it is still quick. They put on a show of incredible speed and ferocity. Individual actions have a limited amount of room. Six out of ten clubs had a good number ten 25 years ago, a skilled winger or midfielder who could make a pass and demolish a team. It's a little more difficult now, but in terms of intensity and dynamics, it's still possible. It's amazing to witness when teams bring their best game.”

Dani did not hesitate when asked which goal he would have liked to comment on: the goal he scored against Feyenoord at the Amsterdam Arena in the 1997-1998 season. “It was a fantastic game, we won 4-0, but there was a lot of drama off the field as well. He continued, "That would have been a wonderful game for me to commentate."